This week we’re breaking out of the non-fiction world to talk fictionalization with Oscar-nominated writer/director Greg Kwedar. Fresh off the awards trail with last year’s SING SING, Greg shares insights and ideas about turning documentary style research into based-on-a-true-story truth. It’s a light-hearted walk through Hyde Park, with another stop at a shady creek, as we dig into Greg’s approach to creative partnership (he’s 4-films deep with collaborator Clint Bentley) — and catering his directing approach for different acting styles. Step with us into a free-roaming conversation about creative resilience and the role of friendship and adventure that drives Greg’s process.
00:00 A Stroll Through Hyde Park
00:49 Introducing Greg Quedar
03:00 Greg's Journey from Accounting to Filmmaking
10:37 The Inspiration Behind 'Sing Sing'
15:01 Exploring the Creative Process
27:36 The Importance of Colleagueship and Collaboration
28:31 Challenges in the Writing Process
29:35 The Lightning Bolt Moments
30:00 The Role of Friendship in Storytelling
31:31 The Joy and Struggles of Filmmaking
33:15 Preparing for New Projects
35:07 Working with Different Actor Processes
37:57 Documentary Filmmaking Insights
40:15 Reflections on the Creative Journey
47:26 Gateway Films and Inspirations
50:31 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
